Naperville Area CHamber of Commerce Government Affairs Roundup

On October 4, the Naperville City Council will consider a proposed change to the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance. The proposed change would define the term “legal source of income” to include Housing Choice Vouchers. While the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce supports greater access to fair housing, this proposal forces landlords to enter into a contract with the state with an unfair and unproductive loss of property rights.

“We believe that there are better solutions to this problem. For example, at the last City Council meeting, they considered a grant for the expansion of the Martin Avenue Apartments which would increase access to low income housing for elderly residents,” said Colin Dalough, Director of Government Affairs and Business Development. He continued, “The Housing Choice Voucher program was designed to be voluntary for the landlord. But to mandate participation, the City Council would steamroll the intentions of the drafters and the legitimate objections of landlords who give up significant rights when they participate.”

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is charged with promoting the economic growth in our region. “We are concerned that if this change is approved then it might hurt future development in our city as well,” said Nicki Anderson, President/CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Future developers may choose to do business in a surrounding community to avoid the potential liability and additional administrative burden. That would not only hurt the region’s economy but access to fair housing as well.”